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COLORADO <br /> WATER SUPPLY CONDITIONS UPDATE <br /> FROM THE OFFICE OF THE STATE ENGINEER; DIVISION OF WATER RESOURCES AUGUST 16, 1990 <br /> ROOM 818.1313 SHERMAN ST.,DENVER.CO 80203; (303)-866-3581 <br /> Significant precipitation occurred statewide during the month of July. Precipitation averaged <br /> 156% of normal with a high of 187% of normal in the Arkansas basin and a low of 140% of normal <br /> in the Yampa/White basin. These precipitation amounts are in stark contrast to the June conditions <br /> when statewide precipitation was only 41% of normal. The July rains effectively reduced irrigation <br /> demands and in some basins provided for storage of excess flows. Irrigation is the largest user of water <br /> in Colorado consuming 88% of the total statewide water consumption. <br /> Although reservoir storage has been drawn down considerably in the last 12 months, it still <br /> remains normal to above normal when compared to historic reservoir storage levels. Storage levels are <br /> slightly below normal in the Gunnison and Colorado basins. Relative storage remains highest in the <br /> Arkansas basin. The consumption of reservoir carry-over storage this year will impact conditions next <br /> year if the 1991 runoff is below normal and as a result storage cannot be replaced. The greatest impacts <br /> would be on recreational uses of water. <br /> The Surface Water Supply Index (SWSI) developed by this office is used as an indicator of water <br /> supply conditions in the state. It is based on reservoir storage, streamflow and precipitation for the <br /> summer period (May 1 through December 1). Weight factors are applied to each of the measured <br /> hydrologic factors in computing the SWSI values. During the summer period, streamflow is the primary <br /> component in each basin except the South Platte where reservoir storage is the primary component. The <br /> following SWSI values were computed for each of the seven basins on August 1, 1990. <br /> Change from <br /> Basin SWSI Value July 1, 1990 <br /> South Platte +1.4 +1.1 <br /> Arkansas +0.9 +0.3 <br /> Rio Grande -0.7 -0.2 <br /> Gunnison -1.4 +0.5 <br /> Colorado -2.3 -0.2 <br /> Yampa/White -2.2 +0.2 <br /> San Juan/Dolores -1.0 +1.7 <br /> SCALE <br /> -4 -3 -2 -1 0 +1 +2 +3 +4 <br /> Severe Moderate Near Normal Above Normal Abundant <br /> Drought Drought Supply Supply Supply <br /> 1 • <br />